By Jondi Gumz
Her family cheered in Aptos as triathlete Katie Zaferes won a bronze medal at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.
Katie Zaferes is joined by her husband Tommy after the medal ceremony. • Photo Credit: Wagner Araujo
Zaferes, 32, finished the swimming-cycling-running event in 1:57.03, behind Flora Duffy, 33, who claimed Bermuda’s first gold medal in 1:55.36, and Georgia Taylor-Brown, 27, of Great Britain, who recovered after a flat tire to earn silver in 1.56.50.
Notice the difference between silver and bronze: 13 seconds — in triathlon, seconds matter.
Zaferes placed 16th at the 2016 Rio Games, so this is her first medal.
A graduate of Syracuse University, she is the daughter of parents who were athletes.
The Zaferes family and friends celebrate opening ceremonies at home, including torch bearer, Norma Welty. • Photo Credit: Nancy Zaferes
Her father, Bill Hursey, introduced her to triathlon — on Father’s Day no less. He died unexpectedly at age 60 in April.
Katie posted on Instagram what she learned from her dad — resilience, dedication to being better, doing things for others, and how he always had fun. She thanked her mom, saying, “Her strength is one that is enduringly gentle.”
Aptos resident Nancy Zaferes is her mother-in-law.
Katie married Tommy Zaferes, a sports photographer and semi-retired elite triathlete who attended Cabrillo College, in 2015.
Nancy Zaferes takes a selfie with family and friends in the background as the race is about to be broadcast. • Photo Credit: Nancy Zaferes
Nancy hosted an Olympic opening day party Friday at Aptos Knoll Mobilehome Park and a race day watch party on Monday.
Tommy was in Tokyo as he was selected to cover the men’s, women’s and team relay. See his posts on Facebook and @tzaferes on Twitter.
The couple lived in Santa Cruz before moving to North Carolina, where in January they bought their “dream home,” according to Katie’s Instagram post.
The opening day party included a torch relay and games such as the bean bag toss, much to everyone’s enjoyment.
Katie Zaferes’ in-laws (from right), George and Nancy, and their daughter Barbara Daddario, are ready to watch her race in the triathlon. • Photo Credit: Nancy Zaferes
On race day, Barbara Daddario, Tommy’s sister, came by before hosting her own watch party.
Nancy and her husband George wore shirts saying “Team Katie Tokyo Olympics 2021” for good luck.
Aptos Knolls residents and friends gathered in the clubhouse to watch the race.
“Katie’s favorite thing to do after a race is go get ice cream, so that’s what we did!” Nancy said.
A rainbow appeared during the race, which Nancy said was “hugely significant for Katie, and a sure sign that her Dad was watching,” so Rainbow Sherbet and Cookies n Cream Ice Cream, Katie’s favorite, were the flavors of choice.
Nancy and George ended their report this way, “We’re sooo excited and proud of Katie!”
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Top Photo: Katie Zaferes blows a kiss to her husband Tommy at the finish line. • Photo Courtesy of Tommy Zaferes